Name: Borage (Borago officinalis)
DESCRIPTION: A tall (to 1m) soft-stemmed herb with bristly stems and large hairy leaves. The flowers are brilliantly blue and star shaped.
ORIGIN: Syria
CULTIVATION: Borage is one of the few herbs that prefer a semi-shaded spot, though it will grow in full sun. It needs shelter from strong winds as it is easily blown over. Soil should be moist, loose and friable. Seeds germinate in all seasons except very cold winters. The plant is an annual but self-seeds easily.
ORIGIN: Syria
CULTIVATION: Borage is one of the few herbs that prefer a semi-shaded spot, though it will grow in full sun. It needs shelter from strong winds as it is easily blown over. Soil should be moist, loose and friable. Seeds germinate in all seasons except very cold winters. The plant is an annual but self-seeds easily.
USES: Leaves have a fresh cucumber flavour and can be used in salads (use young leaves), drinks and in soups. An infusion of the leaves makes a refreshing tea. The flowers can be added to salads and make beautiful crystallised decorations for cakes and desserts. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and traditionally were symbolic of courage. Embroidered bees and borage flowers were often used to decorate the scarves of knights going into battle
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